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SmartClean™ Scraper Systems by Patz

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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Patz Equipment Keeps SCC Low, Milk Quality High!

(L to R) Kevin and Lisa Collins with daughters
Brittany and Eileen

Kevin and LisaCollins of Greenleaf,
WI began Collins Dairy LLC in 1993 when an empty
dairy farm with a parlor and freestall barn became available. The original barn was expanded several times over the years with the
final time being in 2005, when the first two Patz Alley Scrapers were
installed.

“We installed the scraper system to reduce labor and keep the cows
cleaner,” stated Kevin. They’ve done just that, as evidenced by a somatic cell
count of a mere 110,000 on the Collins’ ever-growing herd of Holsteins.

In 2008, a new freestall
barn was built, and because of the excellent results achieved from the first
alley scraper installation, Kevin and Lisa opted to install two Patz Model 1500 Alley Scrapers and a Model 6000E Electric Drive Vertical Pit Pump in this barn. "As we added more cows, we didn’t want to add more labor, and the Patz Alley Scrapers
have allowed us to run our milking crews with one less person. This has shown
us a great return on investment in our Patz Alley Scraper systems,” said
Kevin.

After growing the herd to fill this facility, the Collins
chose to add a third freestall barn and didn't hesitate to install two Model
1500 Alley Scrapers in this barn as well. Kevin noted, “We are very satisfied
with the Patz Alley Scraper systems. Not only do they help reduce labor and
keep our milk quality high, they protect our gates, freestalls, and doors from
damage since our skid loader is rarely needed in our alleys.”

With the growth of the dairy herd, heifer numbers were also
growing, prompting the construction of a new heifer facility in 2012. When the Collins
consulted them regarding a manure system for the new facility, their local Patz
Dealer recommended the Patz Model 2016 Tundra™ Pro Hydraulic Pump for the job. “The Tundra™ Pro is pumping well over 400 feet to
storage and hasn’t missed a beat,” said Kevin.

While Patz equipment has been taking care of the manure
handling chores on the farm, Kevin and Lisa also look to Patz for their TMR
mixer needs. In 2012, they purchased their second 620 cu. ft. Patz 800 Series Twin Screw Vertical Mixer. According to Kevin, “We really like the simplicity of the
Patz Mixers. They mix fast and unload fast – especially with the two side doors.”
On three times a day milking, the Collins’ herd averages 84 pounds per cow
without rBST.